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31

Journalism & Mass Communication / The Sixth Sense

« on: September 12, 2013, 12:53:36 PM »

মানুষের ইন্দ্রিয় পাঁচটি। চোখ, কান, নাক, জিভ ও ত্বক। কিন্তু মানুষের আরেকটি ইন্দ্রিয়ও আছে, যাকে গবেষকেরা এতোদিন ষষ্ঠ ইন্দ্রিয় বলে আসছেন। যা দেখা যায় না, ছোঁয়াও যায় না; শুধু অনুভব করা যায়। এর অবস্থান কোথায় এতদিন তাও ছিল অজানা। এবারে মানুষের ষষ্ঠ ইন্দ্রিয়ের অস্তিত্বের কথা জানিয়েছেন নেদারল্যান্ডসের গবেষকেরা। তাঁদের দাবি, মানুষের মস্তিষ্কের একটি অঞ্চলে ষষ্ঠ ইন্দ্রিয়ের কার্যক্রম চিহ্নিত করতে পেরেছেন তাঁরা।

‘সায়েন্স’ সাময়িকীতে প্রকাশিত হয়েছে এ গবেষণার তথ্য। নেদারল্যান্ডসের ইউট্র্যাক্ট বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের গবেষকেরা আটজন ব্যক্তিকে নিয়ে গবেষণা চালিয়েছিলেন। গবেষণার সময় এতে অংশ নেওয়া ব্যক্তিদের ধারাবাহিকভাবে পরিবর্তনশীল বিন্দুর অবস্থান বিশ্লেষণ করতে বলা হয়েছিল। এসময় গবেষকেরা তাঁদের মস্তিষ্কের কার্যক্রম পর্যবেক্ষণ করেন। এতে প্রত্যেকের মস্তিষ্কের একটি মানচিত্র পান তাঁরা। গবেষকেরা এর নাম দেন ‘টপোগ্রাফিক্যাল ম্যাপ’।

গবেষকেরা দেখেছেন, প্রত্যেক ব্যক্তির ক্ষেত্রে মস্তিষ্কের একটি নির্দিষ্ট অঞ্চলে সংখ্যার ধারণা বা পূর্বানুমানের বিষয়টি কাজ করেছে। গবেষকেদের দাবি, তাঁরা মস্তিষ্কের যে মানচিত্রটি পেয়েছেন সে অঞ্চলটিই মানুষের ষষ্ঠ ইন্দ্রিয় বা অতীন্দ্রিয় উপলব্ধি তৈরি করে।

Source: http://www.prothom-alo.com/technology/article/46707/%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%81%E0%A6%9C_%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A7%87_%E0%A6%B7%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A0_%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0

32

Law / The More You Read, The More You Learn

« on: September 11, 2013, 12:21:49 PM »

রাজশাহীর পলান সরকারের কথা মনে আছে? ওই যে গ্রামে গ্রামে বই পড়িয়ে বেড়ান। কখনো হেঁটে, কখনো সাইকেলে করে এই কাজ করেন পলান সরকার। বইয়ের মধ্যে কী আছে, এটা সেই অল্প বয়সে বুঝে যান তিনি। এ কারণেই আলোর ফেরিওয়ালা হয়ে প্রতিনিয়ত তা বিতরণ করে চলেছেন। অর্জন করেছেন একুশে পদক। আমাদের দেশে পলান সরকারের মতো মানুষের সংখ্যা একেবারেই কম। আবার সব বই তো হাতের কাছে থাকে না। কেনাও সম্ভব হয় না। এর সবচেয়ে সহজ সমাধান হচ্ছে, কোনো একটি পাঠাগারের সদস্য হওয়া। এই ইট-পাথরের শহরে মানুষ যখন ভার্চুয়াল বন্ধু খুঁজে নিচ্ছে, তখন সেই পুরোনো বন্ধুর মতো এখন অপেক্ষায় আছে শহরের পাঠাগারগুলো। সেখানে গেলে পছন্দের বই তো পাবেনই, পাবেন বিশ্বের ক্লাসিক সাহিত্যগুলো।
মূলত ঢাকা শহরকে কেন্দ্র করেই বড় পাঠাগার গড়ে উঠেছে। এ ছাড়া উপজেলা পর্যায়েও সরকারি ও বেসরকারিভাবে পাঠাগার গড়ে তোলা হয়েছে। কেন্দ্রীয় পাঠাগার ছাড়াও বিশেষ বিশেষ প্রতিষ্ঠানের পাঠাগার রয়েছে, যেমন পরমাণু শক্তি কেন্দ্র, বাংলা একাডেমী ও এশিয়াটিক সোসাইটি লাইব্রেরি। চলুন জেনে নিই কয়েকটি পাঠাগারের খবর।

পাবলিক লাইব্রেরি, শাহবাগ (সুফিয়া কামাল কেন্দ্রীয় গ্রন্থাগার)
‘পড়িলে বই, আলোকিত হই, না পড়িলে বই, অন্ধকারে রই’—এমন স্লোগান শাহবাগের পাবলিক লাইব্রেরির। প্রায় দুই লাখ বইয়ের এক বিশাল রাজ্য এখানে। পাবলিক লাইব্রেরি নিয়ে মহাপরিচালক নূর হোসেন তালুকদার বলেন, ‘প্রতিদিনই দুই থেকে আড়াই হাজার পাঠক আসছে। আমরা পাঠকদের জন্য নানা ধরনের সাংস্কৃতিক কর্মকাণ্ড পরিচালনা করি। এ ছাড়া এখানে ফ্রি ইন্টারনেট ব্রাউজিংয়ের ব্যবস্থা রয়েছে। বইয়ের কোনো অংশ প্রয়োজন হলে সেটা ফটোকপি করারও ব্যবস্থা রয়েছে।’ তিনি জানান, এ ছাড়া কেউ ৫০০ টাকা দিয়ে সদস্য হয়ে দুটি বই বাড়িতে নিয়ে যেতে পারবে। বিস্তারিত জানা যাবে ০২-৮৬১০৪২২, ৮৬২৬০০১-৪

বিশ্বসাহিত্য কেন্দ্র লাইব্রেরি
প্রায় এক লাখের মতো বই সংগ্রহে রয়েছে বিশ্বসাহিত্য কেন্দ্র লাইব্রেরিতে। এ ছাড়া তাদের ভ্রাম্যমাণ লাইব্রেরি রয়েছে। ঢাকার বিভিন্ন পয়েন্ট ছাড়াও দেশের বিভিন্ন স্থানে নির্দিষ্ট সময়ে হাজির হয় এই লাইব্রেরি। সদস্যরা এখানে বই ধার নিয়ে পড়ার সুযোগ পান। ভ্রাম্যমাণ লাইব্রেরির সদস্য হতে হলে ১০০ থেকে ২০০ টাকা জামানত হিসেবে দিতে হবে, আর মাসিক চাঁদা ১০ টাকা।
কেন্দ্রীয় লাইব্রেরির সদস্য হতে হলে ২০০ থেকে ৪০০ টাকা জামানত হিসেবে দিতে হবে, মাসিক চাঁদা ১০ টাকা। কেন্দ্রীয় লাইব্রেরি বিকেল চারটা থেকে রাত আটটা পর্যন্ত খোলা থাকে। সাপ্তাহিক বন্ধ মঙ্গলবার। ঠিকানা: ১৪, ময়মনসিংহ রোড, বাংলামোটর, ঢাকা। ফোন: ৯৬৬০৮১২, ৮৬১৮৫৬৭

এশিয়াটিক সোসাইটি লাইব্রেরি
গবেষণামূলক বই পড়তে হলে আসতে হবে এখানে। ছুটির দিন ছাড়া প্রতিদিন সকাল ১০টা থেকে খোলা থাকে এশিয়াটিক সোসাইটি লাইব্রেরি। ঠিকানা: ৫ পুরোনো সেক্রেটারিয়েট রোড, রমনা, ফোন: ৭১৬৮৯৪০, ৭১৬৮৮৫৩

ব্রিটিশ কাউন্সিল লাইব্রেরি
ইংরেজি ভাষার বই পড়তে চাইলে আসতে হবে ব্রিটিশ কাউন্সিল লাইব্রেরিতে। এখানে রয়েছে ২৫ হাজার বইয়ের বিশাল এক সংগ্রহশালা। শুধু তা-ই নয়, ১৫ হাজারের বেশি সিডি-ডিভিডির সংগ্রহের পাশাপাশি ইন্টারনেট ব্যবহারের জন্য একটি সাইবার জোন আছে। তবে সদস্য বা এখানকার শিক্ষার্থীদের মধ্যে ব্যবহার সীমাবদ্ধ।
ঠিকানা: ৫ ফুলার রোড, ঢাকা, ফোন: ৮৬১৮৯০৫-৭

আলিয়ঁস ফ্রঁসেজ লাইব্রেরি
প্রায় সাত হাজার বইয়ের পাশাপাশি এখানে গান, সিনেমা, চিত্রকলা ও ফটোগ্রাফির বিশাল সংগ্রহ রয়েছে। সদস্যরা চারটি বই, একটি ম্যাগাজিন ও একটি জার্নাল দুই সপ্তাহের জন্য ধার নিতে পারেন। ফোন: ৮৬১১৫৫৭

গ্যেটে ইনস্টিটিউট লাইব্রেরি
পাঁচ হাজারের বেশি বই, ম্যাগাজিন ও সিডি-ডিভিডি রয়েছে গ্যেটে ইনস্টিটিউট লাইব্রেরিতে। শুধু বই পড়া নয়, সিনেমা দেখারও ব্যবস্থা রয়েছে এখানে। ঠিকানা: বাড়ি-১০, রোড-৯, ধানমন্ডি আ/এ, ঢাকা। ফোন: ৯১২৬৫২৫

ব্যান্সডক লাইব্রেরি
বিজ্ঞানের বিভিন্ন শাখার বই আছে এখানে। ছুটির দিন ছাড়া প্রতিদিন সকাল নয়টা থেকে বেলা দুইটা পর্যন্ত খোলা থাকে। ঠিকানা: ব্যান্সডক, সায়েন্স ল্যাবরেটরি; ফোন: ৮৬২৫০৩৮-৯

Source: http://www.prothom-alo.com/life_style/article/46269/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%87_%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BC%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87_%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87

33

Journalism & Mass Communication / Rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam

« on: August 27, 2013, 01:14:44 PM »

Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899-1976), known as the 'Rebel' poet in Bengali literature and the ‘Bulbul' or Nightingale of Bengali music, was one of the most colorful personalities of undivided Bengal between 1920 and 1930. His role in freeing modern Bengali poetry from poor and unsuccessful imitations of Rabindranath Tagore was significant. He may be considered a pioneer of post Tagore modernity in Bengali poetry. The new kind of poetry that he wrote made possible the emergence of modernity in Bengali poetry during the 1920s and 1930s. His poems, songs, novels, short stories, plays and political activities expressed strong protest against various forms of oppression slavery, communalism, feudalism and colonialism and forced the British government not only to ban many of his books but also to put him in prison. While in prison, Kazi Nazrul Islam once fasted for forty days to register his protest against the tyranny of the government.

In the 1000 year history of Bengali music, Nazrul was perhaps the most original creative talent. By fusing the elements of north Indian classical music with a tradition whose basis was primarily folk, and not merely because of the large number of songs that he wrote, Nazrul made Bengali music a part of the longer tradition of the music of the Indian sub continent. His lyrics and melody freed Bengali music from its earlier medieval mould. Like modern Bengali poetry, Nazrul was a pioneer in modern Bengali music as well.

Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on May 24, 1899/11th Jaishthya 1306(Bengali era) in Churulia village, Bardhawan in West Bengal, India. The second of three sons and one daughter, Nazrul lost his father Kazi Fakir Ahmed in 1980 when he was only nine year old. Nazrul's nickname was "Dukhu" (sorrow) Mia, a name that aptly reflects the hardships and misery of his early years. His father's premature death forced him, at the age of ten, to take up teaching at the village school and become the muazzin of the local mosque. This early exposure to the principles and practices of Islam was to have a significant impact on his later literary endeavors. Later, Nazrul joined a folk-opera group inspired by this uncle Bazle Karim who himself was well known for his skill in composing songs in Arabic, Persian and Urdu. As a member of this folk-opera group, the young Nazrul was not only a performer, but began composing poems and songs himself. Nazrul's involvement with the group was an important formative influence in his literary career.

In 1910, at the age of 11, Nazrul returned to his student life enrolling in class six. The Headmaster of the school remembers him in the following words: "He was a small, good-looking boy, always the first to greet me. I used to smile at him and pat him on the back. He was very shy. "Again, financial difficulties compelled him to leave school after class six, and after a couple of months, Dukhu Mia ended up in a bakery and tea-shop in Asansole. Nazrul submitted to the hard life with characteristic courage. In 1914, Nazrul escaped from the rigors of the teashop to re-enter a school in Darirampur village, Trishal in Mymensingh district. Although Nazrul had to change schools two or three more times, he managed to continue up to class ten, and in 1917 he joined the Indian Army when boys of his age were busy preparing for the matriculation pre-test examination. For almost three years, up to March-April 1920, Nazrul served in the army and was promoted to the rank of Battalion Quarter Master Havildar. Even as a soldier, he continued his literary and musical activities, publishing his first piece "The Autobiography of a Delinquent" (Saogat, May 1919) and his first poem, "Freedom" Bangiya Musalman. Sahitya-patrika, (July 1919), in addition to other works composed when he was posted in the Karachi cantonment. What is remarkable is that even when he was in Karachi, he subscribed regularly to the leading contemporary literary periodicals that were published from Calcutta like, Parbasi, Bharatbarsha Bharati, Saogat and others. Nazrul's literary career can be said to have taken off from the barracks of Karachi.

When after the 1st World War in 1920 the 49th Bengal Regiment was disbanded Nazrul returned to Calcutta to begin his journalistic and literary life. His poems, essays and novels began to appear regularly in a number of periodicals and within a year or so he became well known not only to the prominent Muslim intellectuals of the time, but was accepted by the Hindu literary establishment in Calcutta as well. In 1921, Nazrul went to Santiniketan to meet Rabindranath Tagore. Earlier in 1920, the publication of his essay, "Who is responsible for the murder of Muhajirin?" in the new evening daily Nabayug, jointly edited by Nazrul and Muzafar Ahmed, was an expression of Nazrul's new political consciousness and one that made him suspect in the eyes of the police. In 1921, Nazrul was engaged to be married to Nargis, the niece of a well known Muslim publisher Ali Akbar Khan, in Daulatpur, Comilla, but on the day of the wedding (18th June, 1921) Nazrul suddenly left the place. This event remains shrouded in mystery. However, many songs and poems reveal the deep wound that this experience inflicted on the young Nazrul and his lingering love for Nargis. Interestingly, during the same trip, Nazrul met Pramila Devi in the house of one 'Birajasundari Devi in Comilla. Pramila later became his wife.

On his way to Calcutta, Nazrul spent a fortnight in Comilla where he became involved in the non co-operation movement against the British government. He composed and sang several memorable and inspiring patriotic songs; the amateur lyricist and composer had found a new voice to express his patriotic fervor. Later in Calcutta the same year (1921), an inspired Nazrul composed some of his greatest songs and poems of which "The Rebel" is perhaps the most well known. The 22-year old poet became on overnight sensation, achieving fame unparallel in the 1000-year history of Bengali literature.

In 1922, Nazrul published a volume of short stories "Byather Dan" (The Gift of Sorrow) an anthology of poems Agnibeena, an anthology of essays Yugbani, and a bi-weekly magazine, Dhumketu. A political poem published in Dhumketu in September 1922 led to a police raid on the magazine's office, a ban on his anthology Yugabani, and one year's rigorous imprisonment for the post himself. On April 14, 1923, when Nazrul Islam was transferred from the Alipore jail to the Hooghly jail, he began a fast to protest the mistreatment by a British jail-super-intendent. Immediately, Rabindranath Tagore, who had dedicated his musical play, Basanta, to Nazrul, sent a telegram saying : "Give up hunger strike, our literature climes you", but the telegram was sent back to the sender with the stamp "address not found." Nazrul broke his fast more than a month later and was eventually released from prison in December 1923. A number of poems and songs were composed during the period of imprisonment.

On 25th April 1924, Kazi Nazrul Islam married Pramila Devi and set up household in Hooghly. The Brahma Samaj of which Pramila was a member, frowned upon this marriage and started a campaign to vilify Nazrul through a column in the monthly magazine, Prabasi. An anthology of poems 'Bisher Banshi' and an anthology of songs 'Bhangar gan' were published later this year and the government seized both volumes. Nazrul soon became actively involved in political activities (1925), joined rallies and meetings, and became a member of the Bengal Provincial Congress Committee. He also played an active role in the formation of a workers and peasants party.

From 1926 when Nazrul settled in Krishnanagar, a new dimension was added to his music. His patriotic and nationalistic songs expanded in scope to articulate the aspirations of the downtrodden class. His music became truly people-oriented in its appeal. Several songs composed in 1926 and 1927 celebrating fraternity between the Hindus and Muslims and the struggle of the masses, gave rise to what may be called "mass music". Nazrul's musical creativity established him not only as an egalitarian composer of "mass music", but as the innovator of the Bengali Ghazal as well. The two forms, music for the masses and ghazal, exemplified the two aspects of the youthful poet : struggle and love. Nazrul injected a revivifying masculinity and youthfulness into Bengali music. Despite illness, poverty and other hardships Nazrul wrote and composed some of his best songs during his Krishnanagar period. While many others were singing and popularizing his songs in private musical soirees and functions and even making gramophone records, Nazrul himself had yet no direct connection with any gramophone company.


Source: http://www.shopnil.com/home/meet-bangladesh/biography/308-kazi-nazrul-islam

34

Food and Nutrition Science / Sweets are not Sweet !

« on: August 25, 2013, 11:36:57 AM »

সাধারণ চিনি হচ্ছে গ্লুকোজ ও ফ্রুক্টোজের একটি যৌগ। চিনিতে এই দুই ধরনের শর্করা ৫০: ৫০ অনুপাতে থাকে। কিন্তু বিশ্বজুড়ে মিষ্টি, মিষ্টান্ন দ্রব্য বা সোডা ও কোমল পানীয় তৈরিতে সাধারণ চিনির বদলে ব্যবহূত হয় ফ্রুক্টোজ কর্ন সিরাপ, যাতে ফ্রুক্টোজের পরিমাণ গ্লুকোজের চেয়ে অনেক বেশি। গ্লুকোজ আমাদের শরীরে শক্তির প্রধানতম উৎস। দেহের প্রায় প্রতিটি কোষ গ্লুকোজ ব্যবহার করে ক্যালরি উৎপন্ন করে। কিন্তু ফ্রুক্টোজ ব্যবহূত হয় কেবল যকৃতে। আর আমাদের যকৃৎও অতিরিক্ত বা অনাবশ্যক ফ্রুক্টোজ মোকাবিলার জন্য প্রস্তুত নয়।

বিষয়টি প্রথম বিজ্ঞানীদের নজরে আসে ২০০৮ সালের দিকে। দেখা যায়, গ্লুকোজ ও ফ্রুক্টোজ—দুটিই শর্করা হলেও শরীরে দুভাবে এরা কাজ করে। খাদ্য থেকে আহরিত প্রায় সব গ্লুকোজ বিভিন্ন কোষে ব্যবহূত হয়ে যায়, বাকিটা ইনসুলিন ভেঙে ফেলে এবং মাত্র ২০ শতাংশ যকৃতে গিয়ে চর্বি হিসেবে জমা হয়। কিন্তু ফ্রুক্টোজের ১০০ শতাংশই যকৃতে গিয়ে ফ্যাটি অ্যাসিড, ট্রাইগ্লিসারাইড, ভিএলডিএল ইত্যাদি ক্ষতিকর চর্বিরূপে জমা হতে থাকে। আপনি যদি ১২০ ক্যালরি গ্লুকোজ খান, দিনের শেষে তার মোটে এক ক্যালরি চর্বিরূপে জমা হয়। কিন্তু ১২০ ক্যালরি ফ্রুক্টোজের প্রায় ৪০ ক্যালরি শেষ পর্যন্ত চর্বিতে পরিণত হয়। যকৃতে জমা হওয়া অতিরিক্ত চর্বি ধীরে ধীরে ইনসুলিনের কার্যকারিতা কমিয়ে দেয়, টাইপ-২ ডায়াবেটিস ও ফ্যাটি লিভারের আশঙ্কা বাড়িয়ে দেয়, রক্তচাপ ও হূদেরাগের ঝুঁকি বাড়াতে পারে। এ ছাড়া গ্লুকোজ যদিও তৃপ্তি হরমোনগুলোকে উদ্দীপ্ত করে, ফ্রুক্টোজ করে ঠিক তার উল্টোটা। তাই ফ্রুক্টোজ বেশি খেলে খিদে বা খাওয়ার ইচ্ছা আরও বাড়ে, যা ওজন বাড়াতে সাহায্য করে।

সত্তরের দশক থেকে বিশ্বজুড়ে সব ধরনের মিষ্টিদ্রব্য ও পানীয় তৈরিতে কর্ন সিরাপের ব্যবহার বেড়ে যায় দুটি কারণে। এটি চিনির চেয়ে সস্তা এবং বেশি মিষ্টি। বর্তমানে ইউএসডিএর মতে, গড়পড়তা মার্কিনদের দৈনিক খাবারের এক-চতুর্থাংশ ক্যালরি আসে এসব ফ্রুক্টোজ-মিশ্রিত খাবার থেকে। সাধারণ ফলমূল ও সবজিতেও আছে ফ্রুক্টোজ। কিন্তু এত অল্প পরিমাণে থাকে, যা ক্ষতিকর নয়। যেমন, এক কাপ টমেটোতে আছে ২ দশমিক ৫ গ্রাম ফ্রুক্টোজ, কিন্তু এক কাপ সোডা বা কোমল পানীয়তে আছে ২৩ গ্রাম। সমস্যাটা সেখানেই। মিষ্টি, জুস, কোমল পানীয়, এনার্জি ড্রিংক ইত্যাদিতে এত বেশি পরিমাণে ফ্রুক্টোজ আছে, যা প্রতিনিয়ত বাড়িয়ে চলেছে ডায়াবেটিস, ফ্যাটি লিভার, উচ্চ রক্তচাপ, ওজনাধিক্য, হূদেরাগের প্রকোপ। তাই মিষ্টি মানেই কিন্তু মিষ্টি নয়।

 
Source: http://www.prothom-alo.com/life_style/article/41818/%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF_%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81_%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF_%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC

35

Brain / Drug Abuse, Addiction, and the Brain

« on: August 21, 2013, 11:19:49 AM »

Many people do not understand why people become addicted to drugs or how drugs change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse. They mistakenly view drug abuse and addiction as strictly a social problem and may characterize those who take drugs as morally weak. One very common belief is that drug abusers should be able to just stop taking drugs if they are only willing to change their behavior.

What people often underestimate is the complexity of drug addiction -- that it is a disease that impacts the brain, and because of that, stopping drug abuse is not simply a matter of willpower. Through scientific advances we now know much more about how exactly drugs work in the brain, and we also know that drug addiction can be successfully treated to help people stop abusing drugs and resume productive lives.

What Is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the drug addict and those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self-control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time create an intense impulse to take drugs.

It is because of these changes in the brain that it is so challenging for a person who is addicted to stop abusing drugs. Fortunately, there are treatments that help people to counteract addiction's powerful disruptive effects and regain control. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medications, if available, with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches that are tailored to each patient's drug abuse patterns and any concurrent medical, psychiatric, and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life without drugs.

As with other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, drug addiction can be managed effectively.Yet, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing drugs again. Relapse does not signal failure; rather, it indicates that treatment should be reinstated or adjusted, or that alternate treatment is needed to help the person regain control and recover.

What Happens to Your Brain When You Take Drugs?
Drugs are chemicals that tap into the brain's communication system and disrupt the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. There are at least two ways that drugs are able to do this: by imitating the brain's natural chemical messengers, and/or overstimulating the "reward circuit" of the brain.

Some drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, have a similar structure to chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, which are naturally produced by the brain. Because of this similarity, these drugs are able to "fool" the brain's receptors and activate nerve cells to send abnormal messages.

Other drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can cause the nerve cells to release abnormally large amounts of natural neurotransmitters, or prevent the normal recycling of these brain chemicals, which is needed to shut off the signal between neurons. This disruption produces a greatly amplified message that ultimately disrupts normal communication patterns.

Nearly all drugs, directly or indirectly, target the brain's reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that control movement, emotion, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. The overstimulation of this system, which normally responds to natural behaviors that are linked to survival (eating, spending time with loved ones, etc), produces euphoric effects in response to the drugs. This reaction sets in motion a pattern that "teaches" people to repeat the behavior of abusing drugs.

As a person continues to abuse drugs, the brain adapts to the dopamine surges by producing less dopamine or reducing dopamine receptors. The user must therefore keep abusing drugs to bring his or her dopamine function back to ''normal'' or use more drugs to achieve a dopamine high.

Long-term drug abuse causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits, as well. Brain imaging studies of drug-addicted individuals show changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision-making, learning and memory, and behavior control. Together, these changes can drive an abuser to seek out and take drugs compulsively --  in other words, to become addicted to drugs.

Why Do Some People Become Addicted While Others Do Not?
No single factor can predict whether or not a person will become addicted to drugs. Risk for addiction is influenced by a person's biology, social environment, and age or stage of development. The more risk factors an individual has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example:

    Biology: The genes that people are born with -- in combination with environmental influences -- account for about half of their addiction vulnerability. Additionally, gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may influence risk for drug abuse and addiction.
    Environment: A person's environment includes many different influences -- from family and friends to socioeconomic status and quality of life, in general. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, stress, and parental involvement can greatly influence the course of drug abuse and addiction in a person's life.
    Development: Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person's life to affect addiction vulnerability, and adolescents experience a double challenge. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it is to progress to more serious abuse. And because adolescents' brains are still developing in the areas that govern decision making, judgment, and self-control, they are especially prone to risk-taking behaviors, including trying drugs of abuse.

Prevention Is Key
Drug addiction is a preventable disease. Research has shown that prevention programs that involve the family, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug abuse. Although many events and cultural factors affect drug abuse trends, when youths perceive drug abuse as harmful, they reduce their drug taking. It is necessary, therefore, to help youth and the general public to understand the risks of drug abuse and for teachers, parents, and health care professionals to keep sending the message that drug addiction can be prevented if a person never abuses drugs.


Source: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/drug-abuse-addiction?page=3

36

Ramadan and Fasting / Take Care Of Your Health On Eid

« on: August 03, 2013, 03:55:48 PM »

Eid-ul-fitr is the most joyous and important Islamic festival celebrated with lot of religious enthusiasm and fervour. It is celebrated at the end of the month of Ramadan means the 1st of Islamic month of Shawal which is the 10th month of Islamic year.

On Eid Day People visits their relatives where they are customarily served with “Sheer khurma” and other desserts which are famous breakfast dishes on the Eid day. In the month of Ramadan we fast and fasting detoxifies and cleanses our body.

During the fasting month of Ramadan our body gets used to a certain routine of receiving food at specific times. We all know that overeating during Eid Day is very common. Overeating and unhealthy meals on Eid day ruin all those benefits that come from the effort of fasting.

In Eid parties desi Pakistani dishes are made in our country e.g. Biryani, Korma, karahi and Kababs etc. which are usually very spicy, oily and have high fat content. All we need is to keep control on our food during Eid and take care of our health.
 
Tips To Make Your Eid-Ul-Fitr Healthy

• Avoid Spicy, high caloric and unhealthy food to maintain your health attained by fasting.
• Keep a control on quantity of desserts. Too much sweet doesn’t keep you healthy. It might make you gain weight.
• Don’t let your weight increase extremely on Eid by making justification of special occasion. After all health comes before fame and money.
• Add a portion of salads and vegetables in your Eid menu along meat. Fibers are very important part of diet.
• Take selective and small quantity of food instead on piling up with unhealthy food. Overeating can ruin your occasion also.
• Also avoid fizzy drinks and artificial flavored juices. They are not good for health try some natural ones.
• To help your body to get back to routine before Ramadan try to take your main meals during Eid at timings that are near to Ramadan’s Iftar and Saher.
• Try to modify your dessert recipes by reducing their fat-content. Use honey instead of sugar as it gives high dietary value and also gives very rich flavor.
• If you have any health problem like blood pressure issues rather than leaving all your desired food take small quantity of all items.
• Don’t let your Ramadan routine break on Eid dinner parties as dietician suggests you to take your last meal 2 hours before sleep time.
• Last but not least take a cup of green tea at the end as it increases your metabolism rate and improves your digestion. Tea can also be a choice but better if without sugar.

With these useful tips you will enjoy a nutritious and healthy Eid Day. Also you will slowly go back to your pre-Ramadan routine and healthy life.


Source: http://www.fashioncentral.pk/living-lifestyle/fitness-health/story-685-take-care-of-your-health-on-eid/#.UfzSFqwymho

37

Ramadan and Fasting / EID-UL-FITR, the Greatest Occasion of Joy

« on: August 03, 2013, 12:26:54 PM »

BEAUTIFUL HADITH ABOUT EID
The Messenger of Allah Azzawajal Muhammad (Salallaho alaihe wassallam)  is reported to have said: “And then the night of Eidul fitr, the night that is called Laylatul Jaa’izah(night of prize giving), comes along. On the morning of Eid Allah Azzawajal sends down the Malaa’ikah(angels) to all the lands of the earth where they take their positions at access points of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except man and jinn, “O Ummah of Muhammad(Salallaho alaihe wassallam), come forth from your houses towards a Lord that is noble and gracious, who grants much and pardons the major sins.” When they proceed towards the places for their Eid salaah, Allah Azzawajal says to the Malaa’ikah: “What indeed is the reward of that employee who had rendered his services?” The Malaa’ikah reply’ “O Lord and Master, it is only right that he should receive his reward in full for his services.” Allah Azzawajal then says, “I call you to witness, O My Malaa’ikah, that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadhaan, and for their having stood in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness. O My servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of me this day in this assembly of yours for the needs of the Hereafter, I shall grant you; and whatsoever you shall ask for worldly needs, I shall look at you favourably. By My honour I swear, as long as you shall obey my commands, I shall cover your faults. By My honour and by My greatness do I swear that I shall never disgrace you among the evil-doing ones and disbelievers. Depart now from here, you are forgiven. You have pleased Me, and I am pleased with you. The Malaa’ikah an seeing this great reward bestowed by Allah Azzawajal upon the Ummah of Muhammad (Salallaho alaihe wassallam) on the day of Eidul Fitr become greatly pleased and happy.” (Hadith-Targheeb)

IBADAH (WORSHIP) ON THE NIGHT OF EID
Our Beloved Rasulullah (Salallaho alaihe wassallam) said : "The person who stays awake on the nights preceding the two Eids occupying himself with ibâdah(worship), his heart will not die on the day when everyone's heart will perish." (His heart will not die during the time of evil and corruption). It could also mean that with the blowing of the trumpet his soul will not become unconscious. (Hadith –Ibn Majah)

SUNNAH ACTS ON THE DAY OF EID:
    Wake up early.
    Take a Ghusl (bath) before Eid Salaah
    Brush your teeth (use Miswaak)
    Dress up, putting on best clothes available.
    Use itr (perfume)
    Eat something sweet before proceeding to the Eid Musallah e.g. Dates etc.
    Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr before Salaatul-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr).
    Go to Eid Musallah (Eid Gah/prayer ground) early.
    Offer Salaah-al-Eid in congregation in an Eid Musallah except when weather is not permitting like rain, snow, etc.
    Use different roads en route to the Eid Musallah and back home.
    Recite the following Takbir on the way to Eid Musallah :

Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ila-ha ill-lallah.Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest. And all praises are for Allah)

TIPS ON HOW TO SPEND THE DAY OF EID:
    Keep in mind the pleasure of Allah Azzawajal and uphold Shari'ah at ALL times.
    Adorn yourself and your family modestly in the best of garments (not necessarily new).
    Avoid over eating and other festivities that have no benefit.
    Visit the poor, needy, orphans, elderly and sick.
    Should Eid be made at “my mum or your mum or whoever/wherever?” This requires Mashurah (mutual consultation). Mashurah is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (Sallalaho alaihe wassallam).Try to compromise and accommodate each other.
    Maintain and strengthen family bonds- Rasulullah (Salallaho alaihe wassallam) is reported to have said, "Anyone who wishes to have his means of livelihood enlarged and a prolonged life, should treat his relatives with kindness."(Hadith)
    Don't forget the oppressed, poor and needy Muslims in all parts of the world in your du’as and charity.
    Be punctual with our acts of worship and on this joyous day.


Source: http://www.thekhalids.org/index.php/newsletter-archive/796-1-eid-mubarak-2-the-day-of-eid-ul-fitr

38

Journalism & Mass Communication / Special Dishes on the Occasion of Eid

« on: August 01, 2013, 01:03:50 PM »

Kalia
Ingredients:
    Meat 2 lbs
    Oil 1/2 cup
    Onion paste 1/4 cup
    Ginger paste 1 tbsp
    Garlic paste 2 tsp
    Turmeric paste 2 tsp
    Chili paste 1 tsp
    Cumin paste 2 tsp
    Coriander paste 2 tbsp
    Ground pepper 1 tsp
    Cinnamon 3 1″ sticks
    Cardamom 3
    Bay leaf 1
    Potatoes 1 lb

Directions:
Cut the meat into 1 inch cubes. Mix all the ingredients except potatoes with the meat and half of the oil. Cover the meat with an equal amounts of water and cook under medium heat. When the water has evaporated, stir fry the meat for about 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, peel the potatoes, and cut them into large pieces. Fry the potatoes in the rest of the oil until they start turning brown. Add the potatoes to the meat and stir fry them a bit longer, making sure that the potatoes and meat do not start breaking apart. After about 15 minutes, add a bit more water to dissolve the spices that may be sticking to the pot and cook covered in medium heat for another 10-15 minutes. When the potatoes are cooked, keep covered on low heat for another few minutes.

 
Prawn Curry
Ingredients:
    1 lb prawns
    5 green chilies, chopped
    2 onions, chopped
    1 small bunch spring onion leaves, cilantro leaves
    2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
    2 tomatoes, chopped
    2 tsp chili powder
    1 tsp turmeric
    4 tbsp oil
    2 tsp garam masala
    Salt to taste

Directions:
Clean the prawns in salt water to avoid the smell of the prawns (if it bothers you..) Heat oil in a pan. Add green chilies, onions and fry until brown. Add ginger-garlic paste, spring onion leaves, cilantro and fry for some more minutes. Then add tomatoes, prawns and cook until they are done. Add salt, chili powder, garam masala and fry for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro leaves.

 
Makher Taukari(Fish Curry)
Ingredients:
    Fish 1 lb
    Red chili powder 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
    Turmeric 1 tsp
    Garlic 1 tsp
    Oil 1/4 cup
    Onion, diced 1/4 cup
    Green chili 2 or 3
    Salt 1 tsp
    Tomatoes Optional
    Cilantro, (chopped) Optional

Directions:
Sitr fry onion in oil until translucent. Add garlic and stir fry until the garlic starts to turn brown. Add all the spices and stir fry for about 5 minutes. Add the fish and carefully fry each side for a 2-3 minutes. Add enough water to just barely cover the fish. Put in the green chili and tomatoes. Cook covered in medium heat until done. Add the chopped cilantro and keep covered for 5 minutes before serving.


Fish Dopeeaja
Ingredients:
    Fish (preferably small, cut into small pieces) 1 cup
    Sliced onions: 1/2 cup
    Chilli powder/paste (red) 1 tsp
    Turmeric powder/paste 1 tsp
    Onion paste 2 tbsp
    Ginger paste 1/8 tsp
    Pepper paste 1/4 tsp
    Shredded dhania leaves (cilantro) personal taste
    Onion leaves 2 tbsp
    Oil 1/3 cup
    Salt 1 tsp
    Tomato (tomatoe for Dan Quayle) 2 medium

Directions:
Works best with small fish. Out here in the land of non- Bangladeshi fish, try shrimp or any fresh-water fish cut into very small pieces. After heating the oil add all the powder/paste spices and fry for a couple of minutes. You might add a little bit of water if you are using powders only. Make sure you don’t burn the spices. (Include the onion paste) Add the shredded onions and the fish. Add 1/2 cup of water and the salt. Cover the dish and cook at medium-hi heat. When the water has almost evaporated, add tomatoes, cilantro, and the onion leaves. Heat under low-medium heat till the oil starts to float.

You are done, now eat. :-)

Bhapa Ilish Patey(Fish)
Ingredients:
    Hilsa Fish – 600 gms
    Turmeric Powder – 1 1/2 tsp
    Salt – to taste
    Mustard Seed Paste – 40 gms
    Green Chilli Paste – 20 gms
    Green Chilli Slit – 4 nos
    Cream – 25 ml
    Mustard Oil – 75 gms

Directions:
Cut the hilsa fish into darnes and wash well in cold water. Apply turmeric and salt on the fish and set aside for 20 minutes. Blend together freshly ground fine mustard paste, green chilli paste, oil, cream and turmeric powder (1 tsp). Dip the pieces of marinated fish in this masala and put in the steaming casserole of the pressure cooker. Pour four cups of water in the cooker and bring to a boil. Adjust the steamer casserole and steam under simmering temperature for 8 minutes. Take off the fire and release the steam. Serve hot with boiled rice garnished with slit green chillies.

 
Fish in Mustard Oil
Ingredients:

    1/2 kg fish, sliced
    3 potatoes, sliced
    2 onions, sliced
    2 green chilies
    1 tsp turmeric powder
    1/2 cup coriander leaves, chopped
    100 gms mustard oil, heated and cooled
    Salt to taste

Directions:
Mix the onions, potatoes, chilies, turmeric and salt with the fish. Put all these in a pan with the mustard oil and just enough water. Cook on a low heat, stirring carefully without breaking the potatoes and the fish slices. Cook gently until the fish is cooked and browned and when done, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

 
Reshmi Kabab
Ingredients:
    2 lb boneless chicken
    4 medium sized onions
    2″ ginger
    8 cloves garlic
    1 bunch of coriander (cilantro) leaves
    1 tsp cummin (jeera) seeds
    white pepper to taste (1 tsp.)
    1 tsp garam masala
    2 eggs
    salt to taste
    for garnish: lemon and spring onions

Directions:
Mince the chicken. Grind all ingredients together except eggs and salt. Mix in the eggs and salt. Shape into sausages, put on skewers and cook over charcoal fire or in rotisserie until tender. Garnish with onions and lemon.

 
Tikya Kabab
Ingredients:
    1 oz (25 g) channa dhal, split
    8 oz (225 g) fatless stewing steak
    1 brown cardamom, ground
    1/2 large onion, chopped
    1 bay leaf
    1 inch (2.5 cm) fresh ginger, chopped
    1/4 teaspoon black pepper,
    1 large clove garlic, chopped
    salt to taste
    1/2 teaspoon paprika
    ghee or oil
    1/2 teaspoon garam masala
    1 egg yolk
    1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander or parsley
    fine breadcrumbs

Directions:
Soak the dhal overnight, then boil in twice its volume of water. Strain off any excess water. Put the meat, onion, ginger, garlic and spices through a mincer. Mix well and add salt to taste. Add the dhal to the mixture, and fry in a little ghee for 20 minutes. Add a *little* water if it dries up too much. Leave aside for about 3 hours or overnight to thicken and dry. The next day, or when ready, add the egg yolk, and, if it doesn’t hold together, add gram flour to thicken or water to thin. Add fresh coriander or parsley. For Seekh Kebabs roll mixture in breadcrumbs to sausage shapes. Skewer them and cook over charcoal (best), under the grill, or fry in a frying pan. For Shami Kebabs, roll into balls, coat in breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

 
Vindaloo
Ingredients:
    Meat 1 lb
    Vinegar 2 tbsp
    Coriander paste 1 tsp
    Cumin paste 1/2 tsp
    Turmeric 1 tsp
    Mustard 1/2 tsp
    Chili powder 2 tsp
    Black pepper 1/2 tsp
    Diced onions 1/4 cup
    Diced garlic 1 tsp
    Green chili 3
    Salt 1 tsp
    Oil 1/4 cup

Directions:
In hot oil, stir fry the onions and garlic. Add the spices and vinegar and stir fry for 5 minutes in medium-high heat. Add the meat and cooked covered in medium heat until meat is tender. You might wish to evaporate excess water.

 
Chicken Makhani
Ingredients:
    2 pounds of (bony) chicken
    1 cup yogurt (dahi)
    1″ piece of ginger
    8 cloves garlic
    2 tbs lime juice
    4″ stick of cinnamon
    8 cloves
    8 cardamoms
    10 black peppercorns
    1 tbs oil
    2 1/4 pounds tomatoes
    1 tsp. dried fenugreek leaves (optional)
    1 tbs. white pepper powder (essential)
    1 ounce cream (optional but recommended for a touch of class)
    1 !!pound!! butter. You can get away with 0.6 lb if 1 lb is too much.
    salt to taste if you use yellow butter, then scale down the salt accordingly. If you use white butter, then you will need more salt.
    coriander (cilantro): optional topping.

Directions:
1.clean chicken and remove the skin

2.make a smooth paste of yogurt, garlic, ginger, lime juice, cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms, peppercorns and the oil. Marinate the chicken in this for 6 hours.

3.Bake the chicken in a preheated oven for 10 minutes at 250 F (130 C). Put it aside. It kind of makes sense to finish steps 1-3 before starting step 4.

4.We need to get a tomato sauce. Cut tomatoes, put ‘em in a pan (no water) and boil. When the quantity has dropped by half, strain through a fine sieve. What comes out of the sieve is the tomato sauce. (This is hard work with a clumsy sieve).

5.Take a pan, start heating the sauce, add the butter. When the butter is melted, add the white pepper powder, salt, fenugreek leaves and cream.

6.Mix the chicken pieces into this sauce. You may like chopped coriander (cilantro) as topping. Serve hot. This works best with good rice (i.e. basmati).

Comments

If you don’t like struggling with chicken bones, this recipe works perfectly with boneless chicken. You need to estimate how much boneless chicken to use: I guess 2 pounds of chicken is around 1.25 pounds of boneless chicken.

 
Fish Do-peAjA
Ingredients:
    Fish (preferably small, cut into small pieces) 1 cup if
    Sliced onions: 1/2 cup
    Chilli powder/paste (red) 1 tsp
    Turmeric powder/paste 1 tsp
    Onion paste 2 tbsp
    Ginger paste 1/8 tsp
    Pepper paste 1/4 tsp
    Shredded dhania leaves (cilantro) personal taste
    Onion leaves 2 tbsp
    Oil 1/3 cup
    Salt 1 tsp
    Tomato (tomatoe for republicans) 2 medium

Directions:
Works best with small fish. Out here in the land of non- Bangladeshi fish, try shrimp or any fresh-water fish cut into very small pieces. After heating the oil add all the powder/paste spices and fry for a couple of minutes. You might add a little bit of water if you are using powders only. Make sure you don’t burn the spices. (Include the onion pastes) Add the shredded onions and the fish. Add 1/2 cup of water and the salt. Cover the dish and medium-hi heat. When the water has almost evaporated, add tomatoes, cilantero, and the onion leaves. Heat under low-medium heat till the oil starts to float. You are done, now eat. :-)

Comments

Among the fishes available in a typical grocery store, catfish is best suited for Do-peAjA. Shrimp is great too.

 
Rezala
Ingredients:
    750 g lamb/mutton/beef
    500 g yoghurt
    100 g ghee
    100 g sliced onions
    4 bay leaves
    2 inch cinnamon stick
    4 green cardamom pods
    4 cloves
    2 tsp garlic paste
    2 tsp chilli powder
    1 tsp sugar
    Salt to taste

Directions:
Heat ghee in a pan, add bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon and cardamoms, and sauté. Add sliced onion and fry for a few minutes, add garlic paste and chilli powder and sauté. Add mutton and fry for a few minutes. Add salt and sugar to taste. Gradually stir the yoghurt. Put the lid on and leave to cook. If water dries up add a little water. Cook till water dries up and ghee comes on top Serve hot with rice or parota. Great with polao, salad and/or porata.

http://www.asian-recipe.com/bangladesh/bangladesh-meat-dishes.html

39

Journalism & Mass Communication / Eid-festival in Bangladesh

« on: August 01, 2013, 11:00:09 AM »

Eid-ul-fitr and Eid-ul-adha are the main festival in Bangladesh. These are the happiest time of the year for every people in Bangladesh. For a week, offices and schools remains closed during the festival.

Preparation of Eid starts long before the Eid. People go shopping for Eid dress. For men, Punjabi is the special dress for Eid. For women – Shari, and Salwar-Kamiz. During Eid shopping, people purchase for themselves, and for family members and relatives as much as possible. Giving Eid present is a long tradition of Bangladesh.

Before 2-3 days of the Eid, people start to leave the cities for their home-towns and villages. Everyone return home and gather for the festival. Quiet remote villages become crowded. Everyone goes to meet each-other in the village.

Eid day starts in the very morning by men’s and kid’s taking shower and getting ready wearing new Punjabi, and go to the Eid-gah (a special place to do eid prayer). Eid prayer lasts for at least one hour. After the prayer, everyone hugs each-other. This is the most sweetest moment of the eid. This hugging going on the whole day when meet someone new. Children purchase balloon and other toys from eid-gah.

Returning home everyone eats eid special Semai. Many kinds of Semai is prepared in the eid day. With that, some other special sweet foods – payes, firni, khir. For afternoon and evening, khichuri is the main special food during eid.

From the evening, people start to go outside. In village, everyone goes each-others houses. There they eat and gossip. In the city, during the eid days are the most quiet time of the year. No traffic jam at all. This is a really nice time to walk in the roads. People goes out to the parks with kids, specially Sisu park and Fantasy park. This is continues for the 2-3 days of the eid. After that, people start to return, and continue their usual life until another eid.

40

Namaj/Salat / SALAAT-AL-EID

« on: July 30, 2013, 12:37:14 PM »

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EID - Unas (ra) reported that when the Prophet Muhammad (saw) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) asked the Ansaar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it. They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) told them: 'Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.' (Hadith)

EID-AL-FITR is celebrated on the first day of Shaw'waal, at the completion of Ramadan. Shaw'waal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The Eid-al-Fitr is a very joyous day; it is a true Thanksgiving Day for the believing men and women. On this day Muslims show their real joy for the health, strength and the opportunities of life, which Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadan.

 THE SUNNAH OF EID:

    1. Wake up early.
    2. Offer Salatul Fajr.
    3. Prepare for personal cleanliness take care of details of clothing, etc.
    4. Take a Ghusl (bath) after Fajr.
    5. Brush your teeth.
    6. Dress up, putting on best clothes available, whether new or cleaned old ones.
    6. Use perfume (men only).
    7. Have breakfast on Eid-al-Fitr before leaving for prayer ground.
    8. Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr before Salaat-al-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr).
    9. Go to prayer ground early.
    10. Offer Salaat-al-Eid in congregation in an open place except when whether is not permitting like rain, snow, etc.
    11. Use two separate routes to and from the prayer ground.
    12. Recite the following Takbir on the way to Salaat and until the beginning of Salaat-al-Eid.  Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is greater. Allah is greater. There is no god but Allah. Allah is greater. Allah is greater. And all praises are for Allah).

STRUCTURE OF SALAAT-AL-EID: Salaat-al-Eid is wajib (strongly recommended, just short of obligatory). It consists of two Rakaat (units) with six  additional Takbirs. It must be offered in congregation. The Salaat is followed by the Khutbah. The Khutbah is part of the worship and listening to it is Sunnah. During the Khutbah, the Imam must remind the community about its responsibilities and obligations towards Allah, fellow Muslims and the fellow human beings. The Imam must encourage the Muslims to do good and ward off evil. The Muslim community must also be directed to the state of the community and the Ummah at large and the feelings of sacrifice and Jihaad should be aroused in the community.

At the conclusion of the Salaat the Muslims should convey greetings to each other, give reasonable gifts to the youngsters and visit each other at their homes. Muslims should also take this opportunity to invite their non-Muslims neighbors, co-workers, classmates and business acquaintances to Eid festivities to expose them to Islam and Muslim culture.

Source: http://www.islamawareness.net/Eid/eid_significance.html

41

Zakat / Zakah al-Fitr Q&A

« on: July 29, 2013, 02:28:24 PM »

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, Muhammad, his family and all his Companions. The following is a clarification of the rulings concerning Zakah al-Fitr, this great symbol of Islam, for Muslims residing in Britain and other non-Muslim countries.

1. What is Zakah al-Fitr?
Zakah al-Fitr is a zakah which is given at the end of the month of Ramadan by every Muslim, small or old, male or female, whether free or a slave.

2. What is the wisdom behind it?
This was explained by the great exegete [mufassir] of the Qur’an, the noble Companion, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas when he said, ‘The Messenger of Allah, may Allah praise and send peace and blessings upon him, obligated Zakah al-Fitr to serve as purification for the one fasting for any vain speech or indecent behaviour; and also to serve as food for the indigent. Whoever gives it befo

3. What is the legal ruling?
In the view of the majority of scholars, both early and latter generations, it is obligatory. This is due to the saying of Ibn ‘Umar, ‘The Messenger of Allah obligated Zakah al-Fitr as one sa‘ of dates, or one sa‘ of barley upon the slave, the free, the male, the female, the young and the old Muslim. He ordered that it be given before the people leave for the prayer.’2

4. On whom is it obligatory?
It is obligatory upon the Muslim, male or female; whether a slave or free, if he finds that he has a surplus of property after having catered for his core needs on the day and night of ‘Id such as food, shelter, clothes etc. He must give this on his own behalf and on behalf of all Muslims who are dependant upon him, whether young or old, free or a slave, provided that the dependant is not able to give the zakah on his or her own behalf. If they are able, it is better that they give on their own behalf due to the generality of the address that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, gave to the Muslims.

With regard to the young and insane, it should be paid on their behalf by their legal guardian from their own wealth if they have wealth, or if not, they take the ruling of those who are unable to pay on their own behalf. If a woman is the head of the household, she must pay on her own behalf and for her dependants as previously explained.
The meaning of ‘dependant’ is the person on whom it is a duty upon another to provide for. If someone were to give on behalf of a dependant who is a disbeliever, there is no harm in this insha'Allah in accordance to the Hanafi school.

5. To whom should it be given?
It is best for Zakah al-Fitr to be given to the poor and indigent. They are the first two categories of the eight to whom Zakah is normally given to. This is due to his (peace and blessings be upon him) saying, ‘…and as food for the indigent’. The majority of scholars are of the opinion that Zakah al-Fitr is not to be given to non-Muslims.
It is possible for a person to give his and his dependants Zakah al-Fitr to one person just as it is possible that the Zakah al-Fitr of one person be distributed amongst a number of indigent people.

6. When should it be given?
It is best that it be given one or two days before the ‘Id prayer, meaning that it should be given on the twenty-ninth day of Ramadan onwards; al-Bukhari records, ‘They would give Zakah al-Fitr a day or two before (‘Id).’

In the case that one giving Zakah al-Fitr gives money to an Islamic organisation which acts as a representative on his behalf to convert this money to food, there is no harm in giving the value in money to such an organisation a number of days before ‘Id. This is because in this case someone else is acting on his behalf and he is not giving Zakah directly; the person to whom he is giving money is acting as his representative and hence he is not actually giving the Zakah at the time he hands over the money.

It is best for a person to give it before his ‘Id prayer and that to not delay it till after the prayer due to the saying of Ibn ‘Umar, 'The Prophet ordered that it be given before the people leave for the prayer.’ Agreed upon.

If the person is to pray in a Mosque in which a number of ‘Id congregations will be held, and he decides to pray in the second congregation, for example, then the deadline for his Zakah al-Fitr is extended until just before he prays his prayer.

7. What should be given?
Zakah al-Fitr should be given as staple food of the country in which one resides. Hence it is possible that it be given as rice in some countries and flour or wheat in others etc. It is also possible to give it as modern day food items, provided that the food can be stored, such as pasta. The proof for this is the hadith of Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri who said, ‘We would give zakah al-Fitr as a sa‘ of food, or a sa‘ of barley, or a sa‘ of dates, or a sa‘ of dry cheese, or a sa‘ of raisins.'

8. How much should be given?
A sa‘ of food in modern day usage translates to approximately 2.25kg.

9. Can the monetary value of food be given as Zakah al-Fitr?
The majority of scholars say that this is not permissible whereas the Hanafis say that it is. It is best for a person to not give its monetary value but give it as food because this is what the texts specify. Moreover, the specific reasoning of the text further proves that this is what should be given. Therefore, it is not possible to exercise ijtihad on this issue by claiming that one is looking to the reasoning behind the ruling. Furthermore, Zakah al-Fitr is a very specific form of Zakah and one cannot make an analogy between it and the Zakah of one's wealth and property: its source is different, the ones upon whom it is obligatory are different and its timing is different. As such, it cannot be said that it has the same purpose and can be associated to it in this manner.

10. How should one give Zakah al-Fitr in the UK and other similar countries?
If a Muslim finds one who is deserving of Zakah al-Fitr, he must give them a sa‘ of food. If he does not find anyone, he can give an amount of money which is equivalent to the cost of food in these countries to an Islamic organisation that can distribute it as food in other lands. His intention should be that he is giving this money to a representative who can act on his behalf to buy food. The scholars have allowed this transferral, especially in demanding situations. Our state of affairs here, where it is hard to find the poor and indigent; the difficulty that exists in trying to give it as food; along with the dire need that exists in other lands presents a compelling case for the allowance of food to be distributed in other countries.

And Allah knows best.


Source: http://www.islam21c.com/islamic-law/171-zakah-al-fitr-qaa

42

Zakat / 8 Basic Errors Muslims make when paying Zakat Al-Fitr

« on: July 29, 2013, 02:09:00 PM »

I feel compelled to put this together because I’ve seen the following errors being committed even since I was a young boy. In sha Allah, you can help me spread the word by sharing this article with your community, friends and family.

What is Zakat Al-Fitr? Think “Iftar”, Zakat Al-Fitr is the charity that we pay at the end of Ramadan. Here is the foundational hadith that establishes the obligation of Zakat Al-Fitr:

Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) , made Zakat al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` (a measurement: four double handfuls) of dried dates or one Saa` of barely. [Sahih Bukhari - Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no. 579]

But unfortunately, our community makes some basic errors in the payment of Zakat Al-Fitr that must be clarified.

Error One: Paying at Eid Salah
Some people go to Eid prayers and drop money into the donation box thinking that they have paid their Zakat Al-Fitr. No, Zakat al-Fitr, which is food, must be in the hands of the needy family BEFORE Eid prayer. If someone goes to Eid prayer and pays then it is GUARANTEED that the money will NOT arrive on time. And thus the person paying is sinful for having missed the payment of Zakat al-Fitr. May Allah forgive us.


Error Two: Snail mailing the money overseas Basic principle as before
The Zakat al-Fitr, food, MUST be in the hands of the needy BEFORE Eid prayer. One cannot mail the money overseas and have it arrive in the hands of the needy after Eid prayer is over. However, if one is able to get the Zakah al-Fitr to the needy overseas BEFORE Eid prayer is conducted in their locality, then in sha Allah it’s alright.

 

Error Three: Not paying
Yes, as simple as this error is, it is HARAM to skip the payment of Zakat Al-Fitr. EVERYONE must pay Zakat Al-Fitr, every member of the household. So if you have 8 people in your house, Zakat Al-Fitr must be paid x 8, even if the youngest member is just a few days old.


Error Four: Confusing Zakat Al-Fitr with Zakat ul-Maal
We are talking about Zakat al-Fitr here (think “Iftar”, i.e. Ramadan). Zakat Al-Maal (Maal literally means wealth), is the Zakah due on ones money – and that could be due any time during the year depending on when it was due.


Error Five: Giving money instead of food
Although some scholars have allowed giving money instead of food, the spirit of Zakat Al-Fitr is to give food to the needy of the community, NOT money. (One can give money to the local masjid in charge and they can give food with that money inshallah). The Companion of the Prophet, Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree, radi Allahu ‘anhu , said, “In the Prophet’s time, we used to give it (Zakatal-Fitr) as a sa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese”. [Bukhari - Arabic/English vol. 2, p. 340, no. 582]



Error Six: Giving one’s Zakah al-Fitr to a charitable building project
Some people mistakenly give their Zakah Al-Fitr to a charitable building project: like the building of a Masjid, or Islamic school. There is a difference of opinion on this issue, but suffice it to say that the spirit of Zakah Al-Fitr is that the needy should have plentiful food on Eid. All eight types of recipients of Zakah mentioned in the Quran are HUMANS, not “building projects”.

 
Error Seven: Giving Zakat Al-Fitr to non-Muslims
Charity is given to both Non-Muslims and Muslims. However, Zakah al-Fitr charity is something exclusive to the MUSLIM poor and needy. Hence, one could not give Zakah Al-Fitr to any needy person on the street. “Regular” charity can be given to them, but not Zakah Al-Fitr.

 
Error Eight: Delaying distribution
Sometimes Masjids might collect Zakah Al-Fitr money and then put it in a bank. It doesn’t reach the needy for months and months. The correct method is to give Zakah Al-Fitr immediately when it is due.

These are my eight. You are welcome to share other common errors on comment section . Insha’Allah, if you have Zakah questions, I encourage you to seek counsel from your local sources of knowledge. People you can speak to directly. With best wishes to see you succeed at the highest level!

 
And Allah knows Best!

By Muhammad Alshareef


Source: https://www.facebook.com/notes/islam-is-the-way-of-life/8-basic-errors-muslims-make-when-paying-zakat-al-fitr/10150253191431114

43

Ramadan and Fasting / The Fasting of Ramadan: A Time for Thought, Action, and Change!

« on: July 25, 2013, 12:36:52 PM »

"Fasting in Ramadan develops in a person the real spirit of social belonging, of unity and brotherhood, and of equality before God. This spirit is the natural product of the fact that when people fast they feel that they are joining the whole Muslim society (which makes up more than one fifth of world's population) in observing the same duty, in the same manner, at the same time, for the same motives, and for the same end. No sociologist or historian can say that there has been at any period of history anything comparable to this powerful institution of Islam: Fasting in the month of Ramadan. People have been crying throughout the ages for acceptable 'belonging', for unity, for brotherhood, for equality, but how echoless their voices have been, and how very little success they have met..." says Hammudah Abdalati, in Islam in Focus.

"What is fasting?" "How does the fasting of Muslims in Ramadan differ from the fasting of other faiths?" "Why should one 'torture' one's body in the first place?" "What do you really gain from fasting in the end?"...These are a few questions that a number of non-Muslim friends and colleagues often ask us, usually out of fascination with this spiritually-uplifting practice of Islamic faith, and at times out of pity and sympathy for us, thinking, why should anyone suffer from hunger and thirst like Muslims? I wouldn't be surprised if many of us shared the same negative perception of Fasting.

It is important to note that Fasting in Arabic is called, "Sawm", which literally means 'to be at rest'. Fasting in the month of Ramadan (the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar) is one of the Five Pillars upon which the "house" of Islam is built. During this month, every able-bodied Muslim, is required to fast, everyday from dawn until dusk

12 Reasons To Fast!
1. Fasting is an institution for the improvement of moral and spiritual character of human being. The purpose of the fast is to help develop self-restraint, self-purification, God-consciousness, compassion, the spirit of caring and sharing, the love of humanity and the love of God. Fasting is a universal custom and is advocated by all the religions of the world, with more restrictions in some than in others. The Islamic Fast, as opposed to mere starvation or self-denial, is an act of worship and obedience to God, thanksgiving, forgiveness, spiritual training, and self-examination.

2. Ramadan gives us a break and provides us with a rare opportunity to think about our own selves, our future, and our families. It is a time to give our selves a mental break and to temporarily forget about the hundreds of worries and stresses we are constantly bombarded with. In hectic times, such as ours, and in places like the West, this valuable time to think about our lives, on individual basis, is a luxury and is desperately needed! It is a unique month of self-analysis, and of taking stock of one's moral and spiritual 'assets and liabilities'.

3. Fasting indoctrinates us in patience, unselfishness, and gratitude. When we fast we feel the pains of deprivation and hunger, and learn how to endure it patiently. The meaning of this powerful experience in a social and humanitarian context is that we are much quicker than anybody else in sympathizing with the oppressed and needy around the world, and responding to their needs. "It is the month to visit the poor, the sick, and the needy to share their sorrows. It is the month where the food, sustenance and the earnings of a believing Muslim increases and they are blessed," says the Final Prophet of God, Muhammad (peace be upon him), a man who was known for his noble humanitarian causes, for social justice, and for being the first to respond to other's needs, despite the fact that he himself lived a very simple and humble life. It is only during such a trying time as Ramadan that we can reflect on the condition of those in this world who may not be as fortunate as us.

4. Fasting in Ramadan enables us to master the art of mature adaptability and Time-Management. We can easily understand this point when we realize that fasting makes people change the entire course of their daily life. When they make the change, they naturally adapt themselves to a new system and schedule, and move along to satisfy the rules. This, in the long run, develops in them a wise sense of adaptability and self-created power to overcome the unpredictable hardships of life! A person who values constructive adaptability, time-management, and courage will appreciate the effects of Fasting in this respect as well.

5. It cultivates in us the principle of sincere Love, because when we observe Fasting, we do it out of deep love for God. And a person, who loves God, truly is a person who knows what love is and why everyone on this Earth should be loved and treated justly, for the sake of God.

6. Fasting elevates the human spirit and increases our awareness of God. It strengthens our will-power as we learn to rise above our lower desires. The institution of fasting is both unique and a shared experience in human history. From the very beginning of time, humans have struggled to master their physical and psychological selves: their bodies and their emotions. Hunger is one the most powerful urges that we experience. Many, through over- or under-eating or consumption of unhealthy foods, abuse this urge. Thus, when a person purposefully denies something to their own self that it craves, they are elevating their mind above their body, and their reason and will above their carnal passions. "A fasting person empties his stomach of all the material things: to fill his soul with peace and blessings, to fill his heart with love and sympathy, to fill his spirit with piety and Faith, to fill his mind with wisdom and resolution," says H. Abdalati in Islam in Focus. The person who can rule their desires and make them work, as they like, has attained true moral excellence.

7. With the clarity of mind and absence of distractions, also comes a greater focus. As students, the period of fasting, especially early during the day, serves as a tool to focus our minds on our academics. In the month of Ramadan, many Muslims try to avoid watching TV, listening to music, and some other leisure activities, which spares them more time and energy to be spent on more productive activities such as academics, intense study of Islam, voluntary prayers, social and humanitarian causes, and a quality time with the family, to name a few. It is a reminder of our duty to God, our purpose and higher values in life, as God Himself describes the purpose of fasting as follows, "O you who Believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may develop consciousness of God" (Quran 2:183).

8. Fasting has numerous, scientifically proven, benefits for our physical health and mental well-being. The time, length and nature of the Islamic Fast all contribute to its overall positive effect. One of the medical benefits is a much-needed rest to the digestive system. The reduced food intake during the day allows the body to concentrate on getting rid of harmful dietary toxins accumulated as natural by-products of food digestion throughout the year. The length of the Islamic Fast itself (around 12-14 hours) is in sync with the 'transit time' of food from the mouth to the colon of the large intestine, ensuring that no stimulus reaches the stomach or digestive system while it remains in homeostasis. Therefore, for the vast majority of healthy individuals fasting poses no medical risks but in fact provides many health benefits, such as: an increase in serum Magnesium, essential for cardio-vascular health and prevention of heart complications; improvement in the quality and depth of sleep; improvement in memory and slower skin aging over time; increased production of growth hormone, etc. Also, as a general note, it has been observed that underfed animals live longer than their heavily fed counterparts and suffer fewer illnesses during their lives.

9. The month of Ramadan provides us with a sort of "Boot camp." It is a month of intense moral training. Since we know that Fasting is a special duty prescribed by God, we learn that any sins may spoil our record of fasting with God, so we go through great lengths making sure we are on our best behavior. Many people who experience fasting in this month, feel the impact that this intense training has on their habits, and realize the power of this transformative tool designed to make us better human beings- the ultimate goal of any spiritual exercise. The entire Ramadan atmosphere provides the driving force for this positive change.

10. It makes us realize the reality of life and death. Fasting makes us realize how dependant our lives are on things that we often take for granted, such as food and water. It makes us think about our dependence on God and God's mercy and justice. Moreover, it reminds us of the life after death, which itself has a great impact on our character and our world-view.

11. Ramadan is a blessed month for a special reason: It is actually the month in which God first revealed His final message and guidance for mankind to our beloved Prophet Muhammad. This message has been perfectly preserved both orally and textually in the form of a Book, called the Qur'an (The Reading/Recital). Therefore, Muslims try to do an intense study of the Quran in this month especially, and evaluate their lives according to the standards and guidance contained in it.

12. After the month of Ramadan is over, Muslims celebrate one of the two most important holidays in the Islamic year: EID-UL-FITR, or the Festival of the Fast Breaking. It is a day to thank God for the blessing and training that He provides us with throughout the month of Ramadan. EID-UL-FITR is marked by praying in a huge congregation at an Islamic center or mosque, and by giving a small donation to the poor in the community. The adults give the donation on behalf of their children as well. Dinner parties, family outings, fairs, carnivals, and great joyous celebrations follow the prayer and charity.

In a nutshell, even though the real purpose of the dynamic institution of Fasting is to discipline our soul and moral behavior, and to develop sympathy for the less fortunate, it is a multi-functional and a comprehensive tool of change in various spheres of our lives, including: social and economic, intellectual and humanitarian, spiritual and physical, private and public, personal and common, inner and outer ---all in one!


Writer: Taha Ghayyur and Taha Ghaznavi
Source: http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=UT0709-3357

44

Ramadan and Fasting / Ramadan Workout

« on: July 25, 2013, 11:59:11 AM »

How Acts of Attaining Nearness to God Are Like Working Out:

1. Have a workout plan
The one who enters the gym without a plan and randomly goes to each machine, watches various people and each of their various goals and tries to imitate them without any objective, will not achieve substantial gains in anything.

But one who decides his goal is aerobic fitness, or muscular size, or muscular toning, or speed, will be able to focus his/her workout on specific areas and grow in this. The same applies to spiritual growth. A person cannot simply say: "I want to be a better Muslim" and then aimlessly go for it. It is best to say: "I need to improve my prayers', "I need to improve my relationship with Quran", "I need to grow in knowledge of Sunnah", " I need to correct my anger problems". Then, using the guidance of the Quran, Sunnah, and knowledgeable advisors, one can do exercises, readings, dhikr, and methods to help him/her gain progress in the target area.

2. Success comes with leaving harmful foods, and eating healthy ones
Anyone who has an exercise plan will tell you that eating foods filled with high transfats, cholesterol, saturated fats, high amounts of sugar, and insane amounts of sodium - will constantly be an adversary to your exercise. You will put all this effort into working out and get nowhere.

One who seeks spiritual progress cannot do so without making an effort to abstain from sins. The dhikr, tilaawah (reciting Quran), extra prayers, fasting, will all help the soul grow and purify, but unless one makes an effort to give up sins, one will find growth to be sluggish at best and non-existent, even regressive at worst. If we want to grow, we have to give up what is bad for us, or at least make an effort.

3. Stretch and warm-up before you workout
Warming up helps to prepare the body for the strains of working out, be it lifting or running. Though you can workout without it, the work out quality is much better if you can get the blood flowing and prepare yourself mentally and physically for the task at hand.

When we are about to begin prayers, recitation, dhikr, or anything else, it is best to begin with straightening one's niyyah, and if doing dhikr or tilaawah, to begin by praising Allah and sending salawaat (blessings) upon the Prophet (saw). This is the spiritual equivalent of warming up. If making dua, it is best to also seek forgiveness after sending salawaat upon the Prophet (saw) as they will clear the barrier of sins between your duas and acceptance by Allah inshAllah.

4. Drink lots of water
Need to keep yourself hydrated while you workout. This one I am including in the same way - really, have some water. Don't let physical discomfort cause you to become lazy so that you don't read as much Quran or pray as much as you could because your room is too hot, too cold, not enough water, etc. Get rid of any distractions, set your thermostat, and leave no excuses to do what you've set out to do.

5. Do not overstrain
Overtraining is terrible for the muscles because the way that muscles build according to most experts, muscles grow through micro tears which develop when they are placed under extreme stress. The body then heals these tears during the recovery period by overcompensating (similar to scar tissue), causing the muscle to come back a little stronger than before.

When we overstrain, we push the muscle to a point of damage where it is difficult for it to come back with added strength; or we keep training during the recovery period, never giving it the chance to recover.

Many of us become over enthusiastic about spiritual growth, assigning to ourselves daily regimens of 1 hour of Quran, 1 hour of morning dhikr, 1 hour of evening dhikr, all the nawaafil, added with memorization with iPod throughout the day, and reading and attending lectures. When we are starting from nothing, this is EXTREMELY destructive, as we will not be able to sustain more than a few days before giving up completely.

Tadarruj - gradualism is the best way. Slowly adding acts of worship and increasing them in practical manners, a few minutes a day or a half hour a day is the best way to grow in our dedication. Focus on the faraaid first, getting your five prayers in, and slowly make the effort to add other things in that you can SUSTAIN over the long run inshAllah.

6. Having a workout partner
Most of us are simply not able to consistently workout without a workout partner who can keep us motivated, keep us on point, and remind us of our goals.

Having a friend, a group of friends, a jama'ah of fellow seekers, Islamic workers, or fellow Islamic classmates/student of knowledge - who are in the goal to become better Muslims, who are sincere in their brotherhood/sisterhood with you and have good character, are crucial to maintaining your progress.

Suhba, companionship was the key to the greatness of the Companions of the Prophet - and it is by this characteristic that they are named! So companionship with good people who can encourage you on your path, listen to your memorization, and hold you accountable, even join you for a night at your house of night prayer and reflection together - can be a great asset. Even if you do not wish to share so much openness about your worship with someone, being in the company of good people who inspire you, can be sufficient to help you grow.

7. The Professionals have Coaches, the Olympians have Teams of Coaches
If you look at professional athletes, you will see that they are not on their own - their training and ability is due partly to the watchful eye and guidance of their coaches. These coaches are typically experienced athletes themselves, with years of experience in practicing, watching, teaching, and training. No great athlete has reached the heights of glory without a coach. And as for Olympians, you will see them backed by entire coaching staffs, each supplementing the team's progress in one way or another.

In the same way, it is good to have a scholar, and best to have the company of scholars who you can go to for help, advice, knowledge and guidance. The scholars are the heirs of the Prophet (saw), and they can best provide you with guidance and help when you falter.

8. Humility
Almost every athlete knows that there is usually someone better in the world (perhaps with a few exceptions), and that their coach isn't the only one who's opinions are correct. They know this because in the heat of competition, they know that other coaches have produced students that are just as good as they are.

They know that they are not in and of themselves genetically predisposed to victory without training and effort.

Allah (swt) tells us to "Hasten/race with one another in the doing of Good". And it is in this that we differ from athletes. Athletes compete with one another for the sake of personal gain, glory, competition, thrill, personal accomplishment, or to be proud. We hasten with one another for the sake of God and God alone. But we must also remember these two points:

That our teacher, our sheikh, our maulana, is not the only one who is always correct and we must not fight with others trying to prove his greatness as faqih ul asr or ustaadh ul asaatidha. Especially if we have not been exposed to all the fuqahaa, how can we make that judgment? But we must always hold a good opinion of our teachers, overlook their faults, and take benefit from them without turning them into infallible beings whose correctness we will strive to prove at every turn. We must not disrespect other teachers, but take benefit from everyone, and love all the Ôulama - but do hold your own teacher with high respect and esteem, for it is through them that Allah is blessing you with knowledge.

Imam Malik said: Every person but the one in this grave (motioning towards the Prophet's resting place), take some, and leave some"

Second, we must remember that spiritual progress is not about us, or about showing off or winning medals. We will get to show off in Jannah, and our medals (if we earn them inshAllah), will be cups of silver and clothes of silk and the company of the righteous.

9. Consistency
Every person who works out can tell you that there is no progress without consistency. One must workout on a consistent schedule in order to gain results. Consistency is the key to gains. In the same way, a person must perform acts of worship and acts to gain nearness to Allah (swt) and better one's character with consistency.

"Allah loves the consistent action, even if it is small." - this was said by the Prophet (saw). So even if the act is 15 minutes of reading a day, or a half hour of attending an Islamic lecture each week. One hour a week of visiting the sick. Two hours of a week of cleaning the masjid. 10 minutes a day of reading Quran. Whatever you can do - do it consistently and guard it.

The person who carries $20,000 in cash on the street in his chest coat pocket will guard it as if he was guarding his very life. His hand would be constantly on his pocket, on his chest, assuring himself it is there. He will walk with caution, he will be aware of anyone who comes close to him, scrutinizing every person he sees. We must be like this with our Iman and with our acts of worship. They are more precious than any money and we must be consistent with them by guarding them and protecting them. If this means saying no to a hangout once a week, or saying no to your friends playing basketball, or just saying you'll be late - that's what you have to do.


Writer: Abdul Sattar

Soruce: http://www.islamicity.com/articles/articles.asp?ref=SW0808-3653&p=1

45

Ramadan and Fasting / Ramadan beyond hunger and thirst

« on: July 24, 2013, 10:21:59 AM »

Every year in the month of Ramadan, especially among a growing number of Muslim American households, Ramadan iftar parties have become an attractive event. With several different types of snacks and a lavish number of main entrees, the parties offer a spectacle of affluence, extravagance and luxury. Why should it not be like this? After all, we are told that if you help a Muslim break his fast, you get huge rewards from Allah. So, all these parties and functions are for Allah as commanded by His prophet. Our reward increases with the presence of a Sheikh and probably with the increase in the number of dishes.

But wait a minute? Most, I mean all, of the people who come to these parties are people who are well off, affluent and can easily afford to offer meals to others. Didn't the Prophet advise us to focus on those who are less affluent and less fortunate? Didn't Allah want the resourceful people to share their fortune with other less resourceful? Probably, Allah and His messenger might have meant that. But when we invite ordinary people who are not of our status and our class, we usually compromise our positions in the community. How can we, the affluent and less affluent be equal? We worked hard to earn what we have. We are entitled to enjoy the way we want to enjoy. Moreover, they are not aware of the etiquettes to behave in the company of the affluent.

This is how Ramadan is celebrated in some of the Muslim homes who have been endowed with resources. In our Mosques, depending on their size, the situation is different. Huge expenses are incurred by individuals and the management for iftar and meals. Many people justify these expenses saying that Ramadan creates the spirit of brother and sisterhood and bring the entire community together. True! People feel rejuvenated and feel the spirit of the month by coming to the Mosque in large numbers, yet the resources that are spent could probably be used better. What if Mosques offer simple milk, water and dates for iftar and individual families bring extra food to share with those who are unable to afford it? It would require some organization and some serious efforts on the part of the management and families, but it would definitely create stronger solidarity. Rather than throwing lavish food parties at the Mosque, if we follow simplicity and offer nutritious food supervised by nutrition experts, probably, we would utilize our resources better.

We do not have to wait for the entire community to have consensus on these issues. Those who feel that such practices are genuine should follow them.

Let us look at the positive aspects of the month of Ramadan. For an entire month, we live in an environment where we are conscious of our creator every second regardless of where we are, provided we are fasting or aware of the importance of fasting. It is a month where we can train ourselves in some of our behavioral aspects.

Some of our scholars remind us that we should focus on offering extra prayers and extra reading of the Quran. But in addition to these there are two other aspects that were part of Prophet's behavior, yet ignored sometimes.

The prophet was very generous in this month and he spent long hours seeking the protection and forgiveness of Allah. Obviously, the Prophet taught us that the month should be used to evaluate our own behavior and attitude towards ourselves and others and seek protection in the guidance of Allah. In other words besides being generous, he taught us to ensure that we control our anger, egos, arrogance, and show humility, politeness, kindness and forgiveness to others.

Fasting demonstrates our ability not only to conquer hunger but also our capacity to control psychological aspects of our behavior, such as our reaction to things that we dislike. If we learned how to tame our ego, everything that we do will multiply in reward in our life and if we fail, then regardless of the number of nightly prayers and extra reading of the Quran, our fasting would not go beyond an exercise in controlling our hunger.

Here are a few suggestions that we can try to incorporate in our daily Ramadan and beyond.

We should:

    ... not react immediately if we dislike any thing. Rather, we would take time and try to respond in a calm and polite manner.

    ... ignore those useless talks that serve no purpose.

    ... ensure that we do not indulge in backbiting or demeaning anyone.

    ... ensure that we show kindness to youngsters and respect to elders.

    ... not focus on food and consume things that are not nutritious because Allah asks to be mindful of our health also.

    ... control our anger, egos, arrogance and rash talking.

    ... not hurt anyone and if we cross our limits we would immediately apologize.

    ... maintain quietness most of the time.

    ... greet everyone with a sweet smile.

    ... visit mosque with our family at least once a week if possible.

    ... give our children a feel of taraweeh prayers by praying with them this nightly prayer.

    ... invite the poorer and the needy families to our homes at least once in the month of Ramadan to honor them.

    ... be generous in sharing our resources to the poor and the neglected.

    ... try to read the Quran with translation and understanding if we do not know Arabic and with reflections if we know Arabic.

    ... spend sometime alone to observe prayers and recite the Quran and reflect on our life.

    ... focus on some of the suras of the Quran so that we could either memorize them or understand them in depth.

    ... invite some non-Muslim neighbors or colleagues to our homes to share the Ramadan spirit at Iftar time.

    ... give the Zakat ul Fitr so that the money could be distributed in an organized manner to the poor and the needy.

    ... ensure that not a single prayer is delayed.

    ... give one book on Islam to anyone who wants to learn more about Islam.

    ... hug our children, our parents and our nearest ones to thank them for their presence in our lives and to remind ourselves of the importance of family.

    ... ignore the minor or major behavioral issues of people and treat them with patience.

    ... ensure that we would not visit internet sites that are provocative or that promote immorality.

    ... help our spouses in home chores and avoid criticizing them for their mistakes.

    ... always remember that all that we are doing is to fulfill our obligations to our Creator who seeks our wellbeing in this life and the life hereafter.

Writer: Dr. Aslam Abdullah is editor in chief of the weekly Muslim Observer and director of the Islamic Society of Nevada.

Source: http://www.islamicity.com/Articles/articles.asp?ref=IC1207-5203